This is an extraordinary book. It is the story of a man who sets out to "find the Truth" and actually succeeds!

But not many people have appreciated the true significance of this work. Sadly that includes Pirsig himself, judging by the Afterword. They talk about the '70s, the hippie generation, counter-culture, etc. ZAMM has nothing to do with all that! I repeat: it is the story of a man who sets out to find the Truth and succeeds. Pirsig starts off as a typical Westerner, swearing by logic and reason. But he ends up as a mystic, in the Eastern tradition.

There are quite a few criticisms that can be levelled against Pirsig's approach. Though he refuses to define 'Quality' it is clear that initially he means it to be something similar to 'Beauty'. Then suddenly (and conveniently) 'Quality' becomes 'Truth'. Eh? Also, his interpretation of ancient Greek thought - that Plato buried 'Good' with his concept of 'Truth' - is questionable. Mainstream opinion is that the Socrates-Plato-Aristotle trio fathered the dualism (Good/Evil) of the Western mind, as against the monism (Truth) of the East.

Still, the book is not without its strong points. Though the search for Truth is a highly individual and subjective quest, one can always gain insights from another's journey.

Very curious and unusual read. I was fascinated by the range of knowledge Pirsig possesses about motorcycles and at the same time about how multidimensional and deep Phaedrus can think.

It is a great read, it inspires, more in depth readings and kindles that thirst for more knowledge into deeper sides of it. I definitely am intending to explore the Zen philosophy soon!!